Harold Yudkin
Harold
B. Yudkin
Lawyer
Derby's Biggest
Home Builder
Historian
Philantrhopist
(This picture hangs in the Derby Public
Library)
|
Harold B. Yudkin graduated from Derby High
School with the Class of 1928 at the age of 15 and went on to become the largest builder
of homes in Derby history while also serving as a highly respected lawyer in
Derby.
Harold grew up on Seymour Avenue in Derby not far
from the Derby Public Library where he developed a love for reading and
history that stayed with him his entire life. As stated previously, he
graduated from Derby High at the young age of 15 and promptly enrolled
at Johns Hopkins where he spent his first three years of college before
transferring to Bates College where he earned his degree in chemistry He
then headed for medical school at the University of Virginia, but
quickly changed to the school of law when told that the couldn't hold a
needed part-time job if enrolled in the medical school.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army after the bombing of
Pearl Harbor and served in England before returning home to build a
successful law career of 60 years. But he played a much bigger role in
the community than just a talented lawyer. Recognizing the need for more
housing for returning veterans, he also formed a company that literally
transformed the face of the city when the company built nearly 100
houses and a shopping center. He also was a founder of Beth Israel
Synagogue and was very active in Jewish affairs including writing for
the Jewish Digest.
He was a generous supporter of many of the Valley's
nonprofits and for a long time sponsored an annual oratorical contest at
Derby High School
His retirement in 1987 gave him time to explore his
life long love of history and he devoted himself to writing a 1,500
first person account of the life of Benedict Arnold in the years before
he betrayed his county. The title was When I Was a Loyal American and
speculated on the reasons for his eventual betrayal of his country.
Following his death in 2004, his wife Selma
established the Harold B. Yudkin Fund at the Valley Community Foundation
to continue Harold's tradition of generosity and dedication to the
community. There was also a significant donation to his beloved Derby
Public Library's Historic Preservation Fund. Mrs. Yudkin summed up the
importance of his philanthropy when she said,
“There was no one else like Harold,” said Mrs. Yudkin. “He was a
wonderful and giving man who valued his family, friends, and clients
alike. I know he’d be pleased to be helping his treasured Derby and so
many other worthwhile causes that he had supported all through his
life.”
Return to Hall of Fame
Back to
Derby Home page
|